| There are Two Basic Types:
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Exogenous eczemas
- caused by an external insult to the skin.
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Endogens eczema -
caused by constitutional or hereditary factors.
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Types of Exogenous Eczema
Can occur with irritants or allergens - For e.g. soap
dermatitis, Nickel dermatitis, bind dermatitis.
Types of Endogens Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, Seborrhea dermatitis, varicose dermatitis
are important endogens eczemas.
Eczemas can be Hereditary
Atopic Dermatitises is the most important hereditary
eczema. It appears in children and adults who have a family history of
Bronchial or Allergic Rhinitis. (Allergic Sneezing)
Treatment of Exogenous Eczemas
Irritant eczema can be treated by avoiding contact with
the irritant. However, in case of allergic eczema it may be quite difficult
to find the allergen. A certain test known as the patch test can be done
to find out the allergens.
Drugs used in the Treatment Of Eczema
The most important drugs are steroid drugs. Steroids
are available as creams, ointments or lotions to be applied on the eczemas.
Steroids act by reducing the inflammation of the skin.
Side Effects of Steroids
Unfortunately Yes: Indiscriminate use of steroids can
cause thinning and whitening of the skin. It may also cause ulcers which
refuse to heal. Oral steroids can be addictive and may precipitate diabetes
and blood pressure. Thus steroids are never to be used without a doctors
advise.
Prognosis of Eczema
Exogenous eczema can be cured completely whereas endogens
eczema tend to be chronic and keep on re-appearing in times of stress
or changes in weather.
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